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Tell us about yourself.
I’m Vera from Hungary, a huge TR and Lara Croft fan since 1999. I’m a teacher,
mostly teaching English as an additional language for young kids. I love of
dogs, football, unicorns and superheroes. In my spare time I’m an editor for DC
Comics Hungary, and I love cosplaying, mostly doing charity and visiting
Children’s Hospitals with CosHelp.
Why do you cosplay in general, When did it begin and what does it mean to you?
Since I was 8 years old, I always wanted to be (like) Lara Croft. She’s so
strong, brave, beautiful and badass, I used to go out to play, pretending I was
her. I’ve always admired the official models and early TR cosplayers but I was
never brave enough to actually cosplay Lara. I tried, but never got to finish a
proper costume. In 2013, when the new game came out, I tried my luck, and won
3rd prize at a Lara Croft look-a-like contest of a Hungarian Convention with my
first and unfinished costume. This was the convention where it all started. I
upgraded my costume and had so much fun with it; and in 2015 I finally made my
childhood dream come true by wearing a Classic Lara costume. It still means a
lot to me, because I can feel like a kid again, getting to be my childhood
heroine. I also love making other people happy by just wearing a costume and
taking photos with them.
What about lara made you want to cosplay them?
It’s simply everything she stands for, especially in the classic games:
intellect, bravery, strength and beauty. She’s not only smart, but also badass!
How did you first hear about Tomb Raider?
Our family first bought a computer around ’99, and the first game I got from my
dad was The Last Revelation. We figured it out with my sisters, played it, loved
it, and couldn’t get through some levels or weeks. Then, when I got stuck or
scared I went out and played as Lara outside. That’s when it all started.
How do you assemble your outfits?
I’m not very good at crafting things, but I try my best. I usually buy the
clothes in a second-hand store or online. Then I ask for friends’ help to make
the most difficult items like her belts and holsters and do the rest on my own,
mostly using simple materials.
Who takes your photos, and what kind of equipment do you use?
I very rarely have professional photos, I mostly get photographed at conventions
by photographers and fans. But the lady behind my 20th Anniversary Classic Lara
photoshoot (which made my childhood dreams come true) was a good friend, Lilla
Bán. (banlilla.com)
What is the one item you would add to the croft outfit?
If I think of classic Lara, I think the only thing she needs is a bigger
backpack. I mean how can all that gear and stuff fit into her tiny one?.
What are your future costumes?
My plans include a couple of classic TR costumes: TR2 Tibet, TR3 Nevada, TR3
South Pacific, maybe Young Lara (the original), TR5 Catsuit and an AOD outfit. I
also want to do the Anniversary costume – let’s hope I’ll find some time to do
all these!
Favourite TR game:
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
Favourite TR outfit
Tomb Raider Classic
Favourite Non Lara Character
Werner Von Croy
Your Thoughts on the new origins story ?
At first I didn’t like it at all. Well, I hated it. The whole thing is SO
different from the original Tomb Raider games that I just didn’t want to accept
this “I hate tombs” girl is our new “Lara” and this is now “Tomb Raider”. But as
I played the first game and cosplayed this version I slowly started to like it.
Still not MY Lara, or the REAL Lara, but she’s badass. And Rise of the TR was
much better in terms of Tomb Raiding, so I guess we need to accept that things
change. Nothing ever beats the classics though.
Your Thoughts on all the movies ?
I personally don’t like the movies with Angelina in them, because that’s not the
real Lara we know from the games. Her looks, her personality… everything is SO
different. Growing up I loved the original Lara of the games and she still is my
fave so I still can’t watch or love those movies… However, I LOVED the way
Alicia portrayed this new young Lara, who slowly started to become our beloved
classic Lara (well, almost). Even though I needed time to actually like this new
*Lara*, I think the movie had that real classic TR feeling I wanted it to have,
and Alicia was perfect. I need a sequel!
Do you have any advice for first time cosplayers?
Don’t be afraid to do what you love and what makes you happy! Your cosplay might
not be perfect for the first time and it doesn’t have to be! If you feel good
and empowered wearing it, that’s the only thing that matters. You’ll make
yourself and other people happy. If anyone tries to drag you down, don’t listen
to them, you’re doing this for yourself!
Have you anything you want to share with our readers?
Play all the Tomb Raider games, if you haven’t already. If you have, play them
again! <3
Thanks to Vera for taking the time to do our featured cosplayer interview!
please follow her social media here:
http://instagram.com/theadventuresofvera
Click here for
Vera’s Gallery
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